The Misadventures

10 TIPS FOR VISITING STORYLAND

Let’s be honest, folks. Amusement parks tailored specifically to young children can be a real shit show. So many strollers loaded down with everything (but the kid. Because he’s 50 yards ahead of you.) So many whining voices. So many tired parents. So many treats. So many places to waste spend money. Yes! Yes! Where do we sign up? Right?
But let’s also be honest here, the look on their little faces. The memories you get to take with you. The new experiences and conversation starters it provided you. You gotta do it. And if you live in the NorthEast, you just gotta take your kid toStoryland.

Here are 10 pointers to make it as magical as everyone wants it to be:

1. You don’t have to do it all, really. Plan your “attack” before you get there. It can be fun to involve the kids in this, just secure a map beforehand and circle the nonnegotiable spots.

Like, do you really need to spend 30 hours in line waiting to go on a train ride? I’m pretty sure you could do that in any ‘burb in Massachusetts. Go meet Cinderella in her castle instead then hop on the Pirate Ship tour. Those are two things you won’t find at your local Summer carnival.

2. Go directly to your right when you first walk in. This is my favorite part of the park. You can meet the actual barnyard animals (not adults dressed in the part) that come out of the pages of your favorite nursery rhymes. You will see the 3 little pigs in their respective homes, peter rabbit nibbling on a carrot, Billy Goat’s Gruff, and so on. You can even lay in Mama and Papa Bears beds while they are away! It’s seriously adorable.

3. Storyland has a thumbs up or down policy meaning if a ride is too much just throw your thumb down and they will stop it for you.

4. There are sensory overload areas if your child (or let’s face it-you!) need a break. Storyland really does a good job of making it easy on you. Don’t miss the nursing rooms either and feel free to leave your stroller at home because you can rent one.

6. Don’t do the water rides first! We made that mistake 2 years ago. You get wet. Save rides like the Geyser river and the Bamboo Chute for the last part of the day then bring a change of clothes for the car ride home.

7. Bring coffee with you. The longest line in the morning is actually for the parents – at the only Dunkin Donuts!

8. Story Land is geared towards children aged 2-12. Many of the rides have height requirements. Some allow children to ride with a Responsible Guest if they are under 48 inches tall and alone only if they are at least 48 inches tall. Some require children to be at least 36 inches to ride with a Responsible Guest (they can get you one if you need one!)

9. Buy tickets beforehand and walk right in. If you don’t, you’ll be waiting in a long ticket line with eager children asking “how much longer?”